Roll out the candidate

Two statewide candidates competing for their parties’ nominations rolled out their candidacies in the last seven days. Which candidate’s campaign roll out did more to discourage other candidates from jumping in the race?

Madison School Board member Mary Burke, who is running for governor? She announced her candidacy in a YouTube video that doesn’t mention her name for the first thirty seconds and is without any supporters around. Burke was accused of exaggerating her role in bringing a manufacturer to Wisconsin when she worked for Governor Jim Doyle’s administration. Her base is openly grumbling that they would like a different candidate to run. Even MaryBurke.com is owned by the Republicans.

Still from Mary Burke’s announcement video

Or Waukesha County District Attorney Brad Schimel, who made his announcement on the Waukesha Courthouse steps surrounded by supporters and law enforcement, and then released the endorsements of 17 District Attorneys.